Putnam County Hospital announces affiliation with Clarian Health

GREENCASTLE -- In an agreement designed to further enhance patient care by improving access to specialists, quality and safety initiatives and the continuum of care, the Putnam County Hospital board has voted unanimously to enter into a clinical affiliation agreement with Clarian Health.

Clarian is Indiana's largest and most comprehensive health care system. PCH becomes the 26th health care facility in the state to join the Clarian network. The agreement does not reflect a change in ownership structure or local governance of PCH; rather, it creates a collaborative relationship to more effectively implement shared mission, vision and values.

"This is an exciting day for Putnam County Hospital, our patients, staff and physicians," said PCH CEO Dennis Weatherford. "Together, Putnam County Hospital and Clarian Health will better meet the needs and demands of providing cost effective and preeminent health care to the people of Putnam County and beyond."

The affiliation agreement creates a strategic relationship that will enable the organizations to identify and assess opportunities for collaboration on programs, services and processes.

An initial priority will include extending Clarian's electronic medical record system and other valuable information systems to the Greencastle campus. These systems represent best practice technology in providing the highest quality of knowledge-driven care and service to patients.

"Affiliation with Putnam County Hospital strengthens Clarian's service to patients and families in west central and western Indiana," said Al Gatmaitan, President and CEO of Clarian West Medical Center in Avon and CEO of Clarian Arnett Health in Lafayette. "With our complementary mission, vision and values, this new relationship allows Putnam to continue to do the things it does extraordinarily well in service to its community, and opens the door to new opportunities for growth and excellence."

With the board's vote Wednesday, the affiliation agreement with Clarian is effective immediately.

"We want to affirm that this is not a change in ownership or governance. Putnam County is still a locally owned and operated facility.," Weatherford added. "This partnership will provide us with an opportunity to continue providing quality care to our local area in the same manner as before, but within a larger network to offer more services for our patients."

For more information, contact PCH at 655-2620.

Clarian Health in an Indiana-based private, non-profit organization offering a broad base of tertiary service, specialized pediatric care and a Level I Trauma Center.

Clarian is Indiana's most comprehensive health center and one of the busiest hospital systems in the nation. Clarian owns or is affiliated with over 20 hospitals and health centers throughout Indiana, including Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children, Clarian West Medical Center and Clarian North Medical Center.

Clarian Health is also affiliated with Indiana University School of Medicine, the nation's second largest medical school and a national leader in medical education and research. Clarian Health operates the Methodist, IU and Riley campuses as a single hospital under Indiana law.

Putnam County Hospital was established in 1923 to provide quality healthcare to the local area.